Which Blood Tests Should You Get?

A Practical Guide to Smarter Health Checks.

Blood tests are one of the simplest, fastest, and most effective ways to understand your health. But with dozens of options available, it can feel overwhelming to figure out which ones are worth your attention.

Here are a few that I think have value to check on how your diet and lifestyle are impacting your overall health. You might want to get other blood tests depending on certain health conditions or risk factors you might have.

This guide breaks it down by health goal — so you can focus only on what matters for you, whether you’re doing a yearly check-in, struggling with fatigue, optimizing training, or simply being proactive about your long-term wellbeing.

General Health Check

Recommended panels:

• Full Blood Count

  One of the essential blood testes often the “starting point” for most medical investigations to evaluate your overall health and detect wide range of disorders including anemia, infection and blood cancer.

• Liver Profile

  Comprehensive test which would show you how is your liver functioning at present. You can see and measure any alterations in blood test results.

• Kidney Profile

  Comprehensive test which would show you how is your kidney functioning at present. You can see and measure any alterations in blood test results.

• Lipid Profile

  Will measures your cholesterol and triglyceride helping you to lower a risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• HbA1c (blood sugar)

These are the foundational blood tests most people should do at least once a year. They check for anemia, infections, liver and kidney function, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar balance — all of which are crucial for spotting early warning signs. If you’ve never done blood testing before, or it’s been more than a year, this is the best place to start. It creates a baseline you can track over time.

Energy & Fatigue

Recommended panels:

• Nutritional Profile
• Anemia / Iron / Ferritin
• Thyroid Function A thyroid panel is a group of tests that are often ordered together to help evaluate thyroid gland function and to help diagnose thyroid disorders.
• Vitamin D, B12, and Folate

If you constantly feel tired, foggy, or drained — even after a full night’s sleep — these tests can help uncover the cause. Fatigue is often linked to low iron, underactive thyroid, or vitamin deficiencies. These markers help pinpoint whether your energy dips are due to nutrient issues, hormonal imbalances, or something else entirely. The results are highly actionable: small changes in your diet or supplement routine can make a big difference.

Hormonal Balance

Recommended panels:

• Female Hormone Panel / Fertility Panel

  You can order this comprehensive blood test if you experience chronic low energy or stop menstruating.

• Male Hormone Panel

  This is an important test for men, especially older men or those who follow strict fruitarian and ultra-low fat diets. Symptoms of low testosterone can mimic those of “adrenal fatigue” or “candida”.

• Cortisol & SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin)

Hormones control everything from mood and metabolism to libido, skin, sleep, and weight regulation. For women, testing estrogen, progesterone, LH, and FSH can clarify cycle irregularities, PMS, or fertility concerns. For men, checking testosterone and SHBG is a key step if you’re dealing with low energy, muscle loss, or changes in sexual function. Hormonal testing gives clarity and a path forward — especially if you’ve been “not feeling like yourself” for a while.

Heart Health

Recommended panels:

• Lipid Profile
• CRP (C-reactive protein)
• BNP / NT-proBNP
• Heart Disease Panel (includes cardiac markers)

Heart disease often progresses quietly — without symptoms — until it becomes serious. These tests assess cardiovascular risk by measuring your cholesterol, inflammation, and heart muscle stress. If you’re over 40, have a family history of heart problems, or want to take preventive steps, these markers give you a clear picture of how your heart is doing and where to focus your lifestyle changes.

Longevity & Prevention

Recommended panels:

• Preventive Health Panel (pin.health-based)
• Inflammation markers
• Advanced Cholesterol Ratios (non-HDL, ApoB, etc.)

If your goal is to live longer and stay healthy for as long as possible, you need to think beyond traditional check-ups. A preventive blood test panel looks at hidden inflammation, silent metabolic risks, and markers linked to aging and disease progression. This is where medicine meets optimization — using lab data not just to treat illness, but to avoid it. It’s ideal for anyone serious about investing in their long-term health.

Sports Performance & Recovery

Recommended panels:

• Sports Performance & Recovery Panel
• Testosterone / Cortisol
• Creatine Kinase (CK), Urea, Electrolytes
• Full Blood Count

If you train hard, your body burns through nutrients, hormones, and minerals at a higher rate. This panel helps athletes (and high-performers) monitor recovery, spot signs of overtraining, and avoid burnout. It also highlights if you’re lacking in areas like testosterone, magnesium, or iron — which can impact strength, endurance, and sleep. Whether you’re training for a race or just want to get more out of the gym, these tests offer deep insight.

Sexual Health & STDs

Recommended panels:

• Sexual Health Screen (Basic or Advanced)
• HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B/C
• Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes

Routine sexual health checks are essential — not just after symptoms appear, but as part of responsible self-care. Our panels are discreet and cover all major STIs, from common bacterial infections to viral ones like HIV and Hepatitis. Whether you’re starting a new relationship, managing multiple partners, or just want peace of mind, these tests are fast, confidential, and reliable.

How to Order Blood Tests Online at Folacare

At Folacare, we’ve made the process as simple and fast as possible:

• Browse our test catalog to find the panel that fits your goal
• Book a sample collection at a local clinic
• Receive your results online within 24–48 hours

You don’t need a referral, and most tests require no special preparation.

What Should You Do with Your Results?

Getting your lab data is just the beginning. What matters is knowing how to act on it.

With every result, we show you:

• Whether each marker is within the healthy range
• What the biomarker does and why it matters
• What might be causing deviations
• What to consider changing in your lifestyle, diet, or supplements

If anything seems unclear or concerning, you can also book a review session with a Folacare medical expert.

Final Words

Blood testing doesn’t have to be confusing, expensive, or reserved for when you’re already sick.

In fact, it’s one of the smartest things you can do to take control of your health — to spot problems early, measure your progress, and stay in your best shape for years to come.

So whether you’re tracking fatigue, monitoring training, or just curious about what’s really going on inside your body, you now know where to start.